Tiger explained, “Master, here’s what happened…”
After Chris parted ways with Tiger and the others, he left Flameforge alone.
Tiger and his team, left behind in Flameforge, faced suppression from the Flameforge Sect. To survive, they decided to leave the area but didn’t dare venture too far. Aethelgard, after all, was far too dangerous.
The group fought and conquered, quickly subduing over a thousand bandit groups in the surrounding regions. Inspired by Chris’s title, Lord Death, they established a group called the Gang of Death.
They remained in the area largely because they believed Chris would one day return. While waiting, they focused on their cultivation. Through the protection fees collected in Essence Stones, all three of them advanced to the Pinnacle realm within a year.
Now that Chris had returned, seeing him crippled and without hands made their hearts ache.
Hearing their story, Chris couldn’t help but sigh. Though their struggles couldn’t compare to his own, surviving in Aethelgard was no small feat.
“Commander, bad news!”
A subordinate rushed in, his face pale with urgency. “The Mystery Gate has arrived! They’re demanding we hand over 100, 000 Essence Stones immediately or they’ll destroy the Gang of Death!”
Upon hearing this, Tiger and the others burned with anger.
Tiger cursed, “That Mystery Gate is pushing us too far. Let’s fight them!”
Lynx stepped forward, cautioning, “Tiger, don’t be reckless. Mystery Gate isn’t someone we can handle.”
“But where do we get 100, 000 Essence Stones?” Tiger growled through clenched teeth.
Chris frowned. “What’s going on exactly?”
Lynx sighed and began to explain. “Master, here’s the situation…”
Mystery Gate, the second-largest sect in the area after Flameforge Sect, felt threatened by the rapid rise of the Gang of Death. Using this as an excuse, they demanded 100, 000 Essence Stones, threatening to annihilate the Gang of Death if they didn’t comply.
Although Tiger and the others had reached the Pinnacle realm, Mystery Gate was led by a Solstice-level cultivator. The Mystery Gate Hall Master was not only a Solstice cultivator but also had numerous Pinnacle-level practitioners under his command.
Given their current strength, the Gang of Death was no match for Mystery Gate.
Hearing this, Chris sneered. “A mere Mystery Gate dares to provoke my people? They must be tired of living. Let’s go. I want to see just how tough this Mystery Gate really is.”
Phoenix quickly stood up, alarmed. “Master, the Mystery Gate Hall Master is a Solstice-level cultivator. Please don’t act rashly!”
Tiger and the others couldn’t gauge Chris’s current strength, but with his hands gone, how could he possibly stand against a Solstice-level opponent? If anything happened to Chris, how would they face Esther or Master William?
Chris chuckled disdainfully. “You think I’m useless just because I’m crippled? Let me tell you, Mystery Gate is nothing in my eyes.”
With that, Chris turned and walked away.
Tiger and the others, helpless, could only follow.
Mystery Gate was the largest Aetherbinding sect within a thousand miles, second only to the Flameforge Sect. With over a thousand disciples, more than a hundred Pinnacle-level cultivators, and a Solstice-level Hall Master, they were unrivaled in the region-except by the Flameforge Sect.
But a year ago, the Gang of Death had risen unexpectedly, swallowing up over a thousand smaller groups in a short time. Their rapid expansion alarmed Mystery Gate, which decided to strike before the Gang of Death fully consolidated its power.
This time, Mystery Gate mobilized its entire force, surrounding the Gang of Death completely.
As Chris and his group descended the mountain, Lindsay Windson voiced her concerns. “Mr. Shelby, I’ve heard that the Mystery Gate Hall Master is a late-stage Solstice cultivator. Are you confident in facing him?”
Chris replied coolly, “A mere ant. Nothing to worry about.”
Soon, they reached the scene where Mystery Gate’s forces had gathered.
Dressed in uniform attire, the Mystery Gate disciples exuded an intimidating aura. Although they numbered only a little over a thousand, their discipline and presence far outmatched the hastily assembled Gang of Death. The rapid rise of the Gang of Death had left them with many untrained members, making them little more than a ragtag group.
An elder stepped forward. “I am the Mystery Gate Hall Master. Is the Gang of Death’s Hall Master here?”
Tiger stepped out. “You can speak to me. What do you want?”
The Mystery Gate Hall Master smirked. “How’s the preparation of the 100, 000 Essence Stones? Hand them over or leave this place immediately!”
At this moment, Chris stepped forward. “I am the Hall Master of the Gang of Death. If you want to destroy us, let’s see if you have the ability.”
The Hall Master glanced at Chris, noticing his empty sleeves. His face twisted into a mocking smile. “The Gang of Death’s Hall Master is a cripple? How amusing!”
Chris replied indifferently, “I’ll give you two choices: join the Gang of Death or leave this place.”
“You…”
The Mystery Gate Hall Master was stunned by Chris’s audacity, his face flushing with anger. “Enough talk. Hand over the Essence Stones, or everyone here dies!”
With that, he unsheathed his sword and lunged at Chris.
The speed of his attack was astonishing, his blade aimed directly at Chris’s chest. To him, defeating a cripple like Chris was child’s play.
But Chris didn’t flinch.
With a swift kick, Chris sent the Hall Master flying.
The Hall Master struggled to his feet, furious. “Everyone, attack!”
At his command, the entire Mystery Gate force surged forward, charging at Chris and his companions.